Myths and Facts

MYTH: Our family dentist claims he can align my teeth.
FACT: Being just a dentist is not enough to offer all forms of orthodontic treatment. Although both dentists and orthodontists attend dental school, the expertise involved in teeth straightening is acquired only through further participation in a certified orthodontic residency training. This usually lasts for 2 to 3 years following dental school. Orthodontists do not practice general dentistry. They are specialists and deal only in orthodontics - the aligning of jaws and straightening of teeth. Orthodontists utilize a variety of tested and proven orthodontics methods and equipment to treat hundreds of patients annually. They are very knowledgeable in the use of orthodontic equipment such as aligners, braces, expanders, etc. They use this equipment every day and know what to use for each case. Orthodontists keep abreast of innovation in orthodontics through ongoing education education as required by the American Board of Orthodontics.

MYTH: Only intricate and complex orthodontic problems require the attention of orthodontists.
FACT: Orthodontists are equipped with the right training, education, and experience to differentiate between a difficult problem and an easy one. They always know what to do in each instance.

MYTH: I heard that braces are magnetic and if there is any powerful magnet nearby, it will attract the braces and pull off the teeth.
FACT: This is not true. Braces are not magnetic as they are made from stainless steel.

MYTH: Only children wear braces.
FACT: False. 20% of orthodontic patients are adults.

MYTH: Braces generate signals that can connect to the Internet for music downloads.
FACT: False. Not at this time.

MYTH: It is very painful wearing braces, which lasts up to 2 years or more before achieving the desired goal.
FACT: Just like a new pair of shoes that needs some breaking in time, once the initial fitting/refitting period is over, braces are comfortable to wear. Generally, they are worn for months and not years.

MYTH: Braces are embarrassing to wear in public meetings and draw attention to one's teeth.
FACT: Innovative technology has given birth to clear plastic braces that are largely invisible, and metal types that can be installed behind the teeth to avoid being seen.

MYTH: American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) accepts any dentist to join as a member.
FACT: The only people accepted as members of the American Association of Orthodontists are orthodontists.

MYTH: Orthodontists are not well known.
FACT: Orthodontists engage in several community-based programs such as the provision of discounted/free dental services.